Global poverty rises for first time in 16 years
The 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Oxford, revealed that the number of people living in poverty worldwide has increased for the first time since 2010.
The population experiencing multidimensional poverty rose by 51.5 million compared with previously updated figures, reaching 1.2 billion. Of those affected, 617 million are children, while 83% live in rural areas.
The report, based on 10 indicators covering health, education, and living standards, highlighted population growth and setbacks in poverty reduction efforts in several countries as key factors behind the deterioration. Poverty rates increased again in Nigeria, while improvements were recorded in Egypt, Nepal, and Tajikistan. UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo described the increase as a global warning and called for more comprehensive measures to combat poverty.
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